Many business owners can be surprised to learn that the hardest-working occupants in the building might not be their employees — it can be termites. These relentless pests can cause extensive damage to structures, so it’s essential to understand where they can be found. Here are a few spots where these destructive insects can reside in your place of business.

Where to Find Termites in the Workplace

1. Inside Walls

Termites enter a building through wood that comes into contact with the soil, particularly if the material has softened or rotted due to moisture. From this point of contact, they’ll steadily burrow into wooden support beams and other wall structures, expanding their colonies as the building grows steadily weaker. 

Signs of a termite infestation include bubbling or peeling paint, a hollow sound when tapping the walls, and tiny, pinprick-like holes. If the critters are inside the building, you may also spot frass, which is a pile of droppings resembling coarse sawdust.

2. Furniture

Elegant wooden furniture helps make a place of business look professional. Unfortunately, chair and table legs, cabinets, desks, and other wooden items attract dry-wood termites.

If you detect frass or a flaking wood stain, it may not be too late to save the furniture. You can either treat the wood or allow a pest control specialist to fumigate the workplace, which will wipe out any termite colonies.

3. Crawl Spaces and Basements

Termites commonly target cracks in foundation walls and other openings in basements and crawl spaces to gain access to buildings. Once inside, they’ll head for the nearest wooden elements to establish a thriving colony.

You can avoid this situation by lowering the humidity in the foundation and regularly inspecting the building’s exterior for openings. Have these areas sealed by a mason as quickly as possible to prevent pest problems.

If you’re worried that your office building has a termite problem, contact Dick’s Fumigation Services in Wailuku, HI. For nearly 70 years, these highly-trained, experienced pest control experts have helped area businesses detect, contain, and destroy critters using proven equipment and techniques. Call (808) 244-7496 to schedule an inspection, or visit their website to learn more about their services.